Yes, I write under two names. But no matter the name, the story is always mine.

I discovered my first romance novel at the age of twelve in a bargain bin at the local five and dime. It involved swashbuckling pirates having grand adventures on the open sea, a heroine with a mind of her own, and a seriously mouthwatering, masterful hero who swept her away no matter how clever she was.

I had grand plans to star on Broadway – preferably in Evita, just like the great Patti LuPone. Sadly, my inability to wow audiences with my singing voice required a back up plan, so I launched myself into academics instead. This was not a good fit for someone who liked lounging about and reading books a lot more than dissecting them in classrooms, but it did allow me to live in England for half a decade, so I can’t complain.

Writing (and finishing!) my first book was a relief. And actually publishing that book was one of the greatest thrills of my life.

Now I’m some 80 books in, I’m still a romance fanatic, and yes, I’m still plotting my Broadway debut.

Do you read reviews? Even the bad ones?

Especially the bad ones!

If, as a writer, you can read an in-depth negative review of your work that lays out how the writing or story failed the reader and conclude that you wouldn’t change a single one of those things, I think that’s encouraging. That’s your voice – and you need to listen to your own voice and honor it.

And for every reader who hates what I do and lists the reasons why, there’s another who loves me for the exact same list of reasons. Reading is subjective, thank goodness!

Of course, there are bad reviews that are somewhat less inspiring, and we all have fragile days, but still. I think it’s all part of the fun.

You were born in Texas and raised in New Jersey? What does this mean?

It means that I am genetically and geographically predisposed to have really, really big hair and broad gestures.

Why do you travel so much?

Because it’s like daydreaming with your whole body, and then you have the pictures to prove it!